Ready to celebrate good Wine and the Traditions of the Langhe? The Festa del Bon Vin with 9 evenings of music, dancing, and delicious food! Don’t miss the Skittles Challenge!
The Festa del Bon Vin (or Festa del Bôn Vin, meaning “good wine” in Piedmontese) is one of the most beloved and long-running festivals in the Langhe, in the heart of Piedmont.
In addition to celebrating the winemakers of the Langhe, it also includes rural traditions, fine Langhe cuisine and popular entertainment.
An unmissable end-of-summer event, with thousands of participants including residents, tourists, and food and wine enthusiasts, live music, and a convivial atmosphere
Includes 9 consecutive evenings of live Music, Dancing, Games and Singing aperitifs.
Traditional Skittle Challenge
The most Folkloristic event of the festival
The Skittle Challenge (or “Disfida alle Bije,” “dle bije” in Piedmontese dialect) is one of the most fascinating and ancient traditions from Farigliano.
This is a skittles competition reserved exclusively for women, a highlight of folklore, competition, and popular entertainment.
Nine wooden skittles, approximately 80-90 cm high, arranged in a circle (eight smaller ones around a taller central one, called the “king” or “nine”).
The “rubata“, an ogival ball made of elm wood (or similar), thrown from beyond a line called the “lizza” (regulated distance).
Each knocked-down skittle is worth 1 point. If the “king” falls with the tip facing inside the circle → 9 points (maximum per hit).
If you exceed 24 points → you are relegated (e.g., to 14 + points exceeded), creating a strategy.
Players can run after the throw to “support” the pins that would otherwise fall in excess, showing dexterity and skill.
The Legend
It is said that the Marchesa Isabella Doria created this women’s competition to peacefully resolve the ancient conflict between the town’s two factions: the Gesian and the Craciot, who were vying for control of the main square.
The women, playing, decided the winner and put an end to the arguments.
Every Evening
Typical Dishes
freshly prepared (à la carte menu, no reservations required), such as Agnolotti al plin, Brasato al Barbaresco, cured meats, cheeses, savory pies, Porchetta (a highlight on Wednesdays with porchetta on a plate or sandwich), pizza from a mobile wood-fired oven, and of course, plenty of Dolcetto and other local wines.
Music and Dancing
Under the big top (free admission): liscio orchestras and shows, tribute bands, dance music evenings.
Other Special Events
“Cantafarian” Choral Evening (Pin Manfredi Memorial) with choirs and singing aperitifs.
Folk performances in costume
Charity stall and Amusement Park for children.
WHEN
This event usually takes place every year the last week of August
Free Admission
For information, dates, and the event schedule, visit the website listed at the end of the article
The events listed may be subject to change or cancellation.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and dates
The Bon Vin Festival
Skittle Challenge
Farigliano (Cuneo)
Piedmont – Italy
Facebook page (Skittle Challenge)
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